'Next Silicon Valley' Ambitions in Las Vegas

What will it take for Las Vegas to fulfill its ambitions to become a hub of the tech industry?

1 minute read

January 30, 2015, 1:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Ed Komenda writes a feature article on the plans of Las Vegas to become "the next Silicon Valley" for the Las Vegas Sun. Komenda begins the feature by reporting the surprise announcement by Governor Brian Sandoval during his State of the State address that the Las Vegas-based data company Switch "will dole out $2 billion to build 4.5 million square feet of additional warehouse space in Las Vegas and Reno, bringing an estimated 5,000 new jobs to the economy."

After detailing some of the past efforts to position Las Vegas as a capital for the tech industry (Switch, for instance, purchased a fiber optic network put in place and left for the taking by the infamous Enron), Komenda goes on to detail "the six most important factors that will make or break Las Vegas’s future as a major technology hub." That list comprises 1) education, 2) connectivity, 3) financial, 4) transportation, 5) culture, and Hsieh (of course).

On transportation, Komenda notes that Las Vegas has 40 million visitors a year, so new and existing business is always on the doorstep. But Southwest Nevada still lacks a public transit system worthy of the metro area's size to move that business around. 

Monday, January 26, 2015 in Las Vegas Sun

Chicago Intercity Rail

Amtrak Ramping Up Infrastructure Projects

Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.

September 25, 2023 - Smart Cities Dive

View of Interstate 205 bridge over Columbia River with Mt. Hood in background.

The Unceremonious Death of a Freeway Expansion Project

The end of an Oregon freeway project didn't get much fanfare, but the victory is worth celebrating.

September 19, 2023 - Streetsblog USA

Google maps street view of San Francisco alleyway.

Ending Downtown San Francisco’s ‘Doom Loop’

A new public space project offers an ambitious vision—so why is the city implementing it at such a small scale?

September 26, 2023 - Fast Company

Aerial view of coastal development and bright blue ocean in Kaua'i, Hawai'i.

Kaua’i County Uses Long-Range Models to Mandate Resiliency Standards

The county requires builders to assess potential flood risks using models that account for sea level rise projected as far out as 2100.

September 28 - Smart Cities Dive

Semi truck driving down freeway with twilight sky in background.

California Governor Vetoes Autonomous Truck Ban

Gov. Newsom called the new law unnecessary, citing existing efforts by state regulators to develop new rules around autonomous trucking.

September 28 - Wired

Roadside motel with turquoise room doors in Tucumcari, New Mexico.

Low-Barrier Motel Shelter Is a Success—But Not an Easy One

Many guests at Motels4Now are on their second or third stays—but staff say that's doesn't equal failure, and the numbers bear that out.

September 28 - Shelterforce Magazine

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.